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PWS&D welcomes Government of Canada increase to international assistance

In Afghanistan and Malawi, PWS&D is helping improve maternal and child health, with support from Global Affairs Canada

PWS&D welcomes the Canadian government’s commitment to increase the international assistance budget with $2 billion in new funding over five years, announced in Budget 2018 earlier this week.

Canadian funding for international assistance plays a critical role in addressing global poverty, inequality, and hunger. It is an important expression of Canadian values of compassion and fairness. These funds make a real difference for the poorest and most vulnerable people through life-saving interventions and by helping break the cycle of poverty.

PWS&D is also pleased that Budget 2018 addresses the world’s growing humanitarian needs by substantially increasing the base budget for humanitarian assistance. The new base budget of $738 million will improve predictability and timeliness in the provision of humanitarian assistance.

Many Canadians have encouraged Canada to increase its commitment to international assistance—asking Canada to do more to respond to poverty and humanitarian disaster around the world. Budget 2018 ends the decline in international assistance as a share of the Canadian economy and it strengthens Canada’s international efforts to reduce and end extreme poverty. This is welcomed news.